England striker Ollie Watkins has come out strongly in defence of Belgian winger Jérémy Doku, who is facing heavy criticism for planning to temporarily leave the World Cup next month for the birth of his first child.
The 24-year-old Manchester City player is expecting a baby with his wife in the second week of July—a period that could overlap with Belgium’s potential World Cup quarter-final matches if the team progresses.
The decision has triggered widespread debate, including sharp criticism from L’Equipe presenter France Pierron, though the comments have since sparked backlash and wider controversy within football circles.
Watkins, who is a father of two, condemned the negative reaction directed at Doku, insisting that prioritising family should not be criticised.
“A first child only happens once. Someone labelled his decision disgusting, and that is not the way to talk about a birth,” Watkins stated.
He further stressed the importance of being present for childbirth, drawing from personal experience.
“I have seen what my wife has had to go through. A first child happens only once, and welcoming them is a blessing. I don’t think it is anyone else’s business,” Watkins added.
The controversy comes amid reports that a pundit has retracted earlier remarks describing the decision as “disgusting”, while another presenter linked to the discussion has reportedly been suspended following the backlash.